DIPPER. 



COMMON DIPPER. EUROPEAN DIPPER. WATER OUZEL. WATER CROW. 



PLATE XCVII. 



Cinclus aquaficus, FLEMING. SELBT. 



Turd us cindus, PENNANT. 



Sturnus cindus, MONTAGU. 



NIDIFICATION begins about the middle of April. 



The nest, which is cleverly concealed, and large, measuring ten or 

 twelve inches in diameter, and seven or eight in depth, deing domed, 

 is well compacted of moss and grass, and well lined with leaves. It 

 is placed in some cavity in a rock, or under the protection of some 

 overhanging stone in the immediate neighbourhood of the rippling 

 stream or murmuring waterfall, the birds' favourite haunt. Different 

 specimens however vary in size as well as shape, adapted doubtless 

 to the circumstances of the spot they are placed in, some being a 

 couple of inches less than the size just spoken of. The aperture is in 

 front, from three to four inches in width, and about one and a half 

 in height. Mr. Macgillivray mentions one, described to him by Thomas 

 Durham Weir, Esq., which was built in an angle between two fragments 

 of rocks under a small cascade, and although the water fell upon part 

 of the dome, the compactness with which it was put together rendered 

 it impenetrable. 



The birds are strongly attached to their accustomed building-place, 

 and one pair, or at least a pair, have been known to occupy the same 

 haunt for thirty-one years, rearing three broods in the year, and four 

 young ones to each brood. 



The eggs, from four to six in number, are white, and of a regular 

 oval form. 



